Purple Reign: 6 Supersize Amethyst Cocktail Rings

If you’re crazy for the color purple—and doubtless there are many of you out there who are—you’re probably in possession of quite a bit of amethyst. As you may have guessed, I’m partial to the color green, but right now, I’m having a craving for amethyst—purple amethyst—and not just because it’s February’s birthstone.

Here’s the thing about amethyst—it looks best in bold, oversize iterations, whether it’s the centerpiece of a cuff or a brooch or, as I’ve recently (and somewhat longingly) observed, the large-and-in-charge center stone of a dramatic cocktail ring.

I happen to love rings with supersize stones, but a Paraiba tourmaline, emerald, or tsavorite of this magnitude is 100 percent out of the question. So I’ll take a giant amethyst cocktail ring any which way, from that sparkling grape-candy hue that the heroine of Anne of Green Gables rhapsodized about (“Do you think amethysts can be the souls of good violets?”) to the dreamy pale lilac of a Rose de France, as long as it approximates or, better yet, exceeds the proportions of a jumbo-size gum ball.

Have to say that I’m also drawn in by the fact that amethyst is said to be a healing stone, one that promotes emotional stability and inner strength as well as a sense of calm and peacefulness. Maybe a larger stone intensifies the effects (let’s hope!). And as designer Stephen Webster recently reminded us on Instagram, amethysts have been known to protect against drunkenness. Which means you can knock back as many margaritas while in Tucson as you like. Preferably, of course, while wearing one of the glamazons I’ve picked out below…One-of-a-kind Amal ring in 18k yellow gold with 24 ct. amethyst rimmed in pavé turquoise, $9,000; Anabel HigginsKoko ring in 18k yellow gold with 50.76 ct. amethyst, $8,000; MisaharaCrown cocktail ring in 14k rose gold with 12 ct. fancy-cut Rose de France amethyst, $2,996; Julez Bryant18k white gold ring with 7.27 ct. amethyst center stone and 0.12 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,620; Suzy LandaLimited-edition Marie Antoinette ring in 18k gold with 27.64 ct. amethyst center stone and 2 cts. t.w. tsavorite, price on request; Wendy BrandesOne-of-a-kind Colors of the Wind collection ring with 33.3 ct. fancy-cut lavender amethyst and 0.2 ct. t.w. melee diamonds, $9,695; Yoki